Netflix new documentary "Simone Biles Rising" gives an intimate look into her life

June 24, 2024

Courtesy: Netlfix

The upcoming four-part sports documentary Simone Biles Rising will debut on Netflix on July 17, leading to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The series follows gymnast Simone Biles as she balances her personal life, mental health, and training ahead of her highly anticipated return to the Olympics. The documentary chronicles the athlete's return to her sport and portrays her struggles with self-doubt and vulnerability after withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

With exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a closer look at the dedication and determination that have propelled her to the pinnacle of gymnastics, the documentary highlights the resilience and triumphs of one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Courtesy: Netflix

Directed by Katie Walsh, Simone Biles Rising is executive produced by Gotham Chopra, Ameeth Sankaran, Giselle Parets, Janey Miller, JT Taylor, and Yiannis Exarchos. Religion of Sports, in association with the Olympic Channel, serving as producer.

Simone Biles, 27, is an American gymnast. She has won 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, including the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete. Widely recognized as the most decorated gymnast of all time, she is considered one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

Biles' career began at the age of 8 when she competed in several tournaments and championships. She gained prominence at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she dominated with her teammates Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman, known as the "Final Five."

During the 2020 Olympic Games, Biles withdrew from the individual and all-around competition due to mental health concerns. She experienced "the twisties," a mental block in gymnastics where gymnasts lose control of their body and movement during competition.

After withdrawing, Biles faced harsh criticism, including claims that she was a quitter, disappointed her teammates, and should no longer be allowed to compete in USA Gymnastics.

"I have always had really good intuition about things," Biles says in the trailer, and unfortunately, I felt that way about the Olympics."

 She admits to experiencing mental blocks and feeling like quitting "500,000 times" while we see her support system, including her mother, coaches, and Aly Raisman, rallying around her.

Courtesy Netflix

There are also heartwarming scenes with her husband, Jonathan Owens, and their wedding, reminding us that Biles lives a fulfilling life.

"I know there are young girls out there who look to me for inspiration and are faced with similar challenges, and my hope is that this documentary helps to empower them to be true to who they are and never give up on their dreams. 'Still I Rise,'" Biles said in a statement. 

"I get to write my own ending."

Watch the official trailer below: